Heartland’s protest gets look-in

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is ready to listen to the protest filed by Nigeria’s Heartland FC over their walkover in Gabon but only on the condition that the Naze Millionaires support their protest with documentary evidence.

Heartland had a torrid time travelling for their second leg clash against Gabon’s US Vitam and arrived late only to be told they had been walked-over by their hosts.

To get a replay, CAF has directed the Nigeria Cup champions to provide proof that the club booked their flight to Gabon on time for the tie.

Other conditions were also included in the letter to the NFF, as CAF also demanded evidence that the Gabonese embassy delayed in the issuance of travel visas to the Nigerian club and questioned the NFF’s inability to keep the continental body informed of communication with the Gabonese federation.

The NFF were also required to provide proof that Heartland were denied landing permit on arrival in Libreville.

Heartland, who had a slim first leg 2-1 advantage in Owerri, now have the ball in their court to force a replay and see their chase for Africa club glory reignited.